Tim Hortons French Vanilla Coffee Review & Flavor Guide

Not many people have tried the Tim Hortons French Vanilla, but it’s one of my favorite drinks from their menu. I recently made it at home and was surprised by how close it tasted to the original. You can buy Tim Hortons’ French vanilla mix for under $10, but making it from scratch is simple and more satisfying.

Want more Tim Hortons-inspired treats? Try the Steeped Tea and Cheese Tea Biscuits recipes included elsewhere on the site.

☕ About This Recipe

I don’t drink coffee every day, but when I crave a flavored cup, French vanilla is my go-to. To my palate, French vanilla is a rounded blend of vanilla and a subtle nutty note reminiscent of hazelnut. Many homemade versions miss that depth, so I experimented and found that adding a small amount of hot chocolate powder helps replicate the cocoa note found in the store mix. The result is rich, smooth, and delightfully close to Tim Hortons’ French Vanilla.

🧂 Ingredients

• Milk: Whole milk works well. For a richer, more Tim Hortons-like cup use half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Instant coffee granules: I use instant for convenience, but brewed medium roast coffee also works. Tim Hortons medium roast is best for a faithful copy.
• Hot chocolate mix: Any brand is fine. A small amount adds cocoa depth and mimics the original mix.
• Vanilla extract: Use 1/4 teaspoon or substitute 1/4 of a vanilla bean for extra aroma.
• Sugar: Adjust to taste.

🔪 Instructions

STEP 1: In a cup, combine instant coffee granules, hot chocolate mix, and sugar with 1/4 cup of boiling water. Stir until dissolved.

STEP 2: Add 3/4 cup warm milk (or more if you prefer) and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Stir and enjoy. For a hotter drink, microwave the cup for 20–30 seconds.

📋 Frothed milk
If you like a frothy top, heat milk to about 160°F (hot but not scalding), pour it into a small jar, close the lid, and shake vigorously until foamy. Spoon the foam over your coffee for a café-style finish.

📋 Recipe

Tim Hortons French Vanilla

Simple, rich, and creamy—this homemade French Vanilla blends coffee, a touch of hot chocolate powder, and vanilla for a comforting cup that mirrors the Tim Hortons favorite.

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Ingredients

• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules (or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee)
• 1 teaspoon hot chocolate powder
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (or ¼ vanilla bean)
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Instructions

• Combine the instant coffee granules and hot chocolate mix with ¼ cup boiling water in a cup. Stir until dissolved.
• Add warm milk and vanilla, stir, and enjoy. Microwave briefly if you want it hotter.
• Optional: For a frothed top, heat milk to about 160°F, pour into a jar, shake vigorously to create foam, and spoon it over the coffee.

Notes

Hot chocolate powder: You can make a quick homemade mix by combining ½ teaspoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon milk powder, and 1 teaspoon powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Calories: 155 kcal

Carbohydrates: 17 g • Protein: 6 g • Fat: 7 g

Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredient data.

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